A dress, a dream, a designer:

When I first met her (8...9 years ago?) Phaedra was my server at a candlelit restaurant in Portland's Pearl District. But really she was (and is!) a budding bridal dress designer, with a penchant for gamine necklines and billows of tulle. She has long since flown to New York to try her fortunes there, but we keep in touch, as sisters in bridal design should (the dear girl has even rummaged through the Garment District for a very particular olive-gold velvet ribbon I needed). Now, after years of honing her skills with custom and one-of-a-kind design, she's preparing to produce her very own bridal gown collection! I couldn't be more excited, and I urge you to join me in supporting her venture on Kickstarter. If her backers' support amounts to $5000 by the time the pledge period ends, she'll receive matching funds to produce her line and lookbook. Special benefits are conferred at each pledge level (I can't wait to find out what dress is named after me).

Whidbey Island wedding

Photographer Julie Harmsen forwarded me these pretty, pretty photos of Sarah and Hunter's wedding on windswept Whidbey Island. The rustic maritime location is such a sweet setting for her Oysters & Pearls gown.

{love this last one -- hurrah for the bride who's unafraid to rock the red wine}

...that looks on Tempests and is never shaken...

Photos: Jessica Hill Photography

San Francisco's moody skies and blustery breezes matched Suzy's Tempest gown perfectly. The reception was at the spectacular Shell Dance Orchid Garden in Pacifica. Best wishes, Suzy and Evan.

Pamela in Honeychurch.

Photos: Aaron Almendral

Isn't she stunning? Pamela's finger waves, red lipstick, and dainty gloves are right out of the 1930s--perfect for a brickwork-and-bridges New York wedding (the couple now lives in Zurich).

Neet!

I've been hearing such great things about Neet Magazine, so I was thrilled to be included in Jen McCabe's roundup of independent designers.

L'amour en gris.

Photos: Les Amis Photography

Sweet and stylish Erika wore a customized (oyster grey!) version of my Honeychurch gown. The dashing couple married at Benachi House & Gardens in New Orleans. Quelle belle dame.